Clutch plate



March 17, 1942.A v H, NUTT 2,276,416

CLUTCH PLATE I Filed Jul'y 15, 1939 y 2 Sheets-Sheet l fyyf March 17, 1942. H, N'UTT 2,276,416

CLUTCH LATE Filed July -15, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ullA l d* l 455mb/ Nuff CLUTCH PLATE Harold Nutt, Chicago, ill.,

Warner Corporation, h-icagc,

tion of minois assigner to Borgiii., a corpora- .eppiication .rely 15, 193e, ser-iai No. 234,60*?

11 claims. (ci. rc2-fee) This invention relates to friction clutches of` the type employed in'automotive vehicles, and A.

more particularly to means for yieldingly connecting the friction facing member of a friction clutch driven plate to the hub thereoflso as to allow a limited amount of oscillation of the friction facing member relative to thehub under sudden heavy torque loads, and for damping such oscillation.

It has been customary in torsional vibration dampener constructions, to employ a combination of yielding cushion means such as compression springs, and frictional braking means, both interposed between the hub and the facing mounting disc, so as to attain a combination of yielding cushioning and braking action for absorbing .the shock of said torque loads. The present invention detals with that type of arrangement, and has as its general object to greatly improve upon the braking action of such` 'a vibration dampener. To this end, the Vinvention contemplates an ventional hub having la radial ange, annular disc members, one of which comprises the facing mounting member, embracing the flange between them through the medium of interposed friction washers, a pressure ring drivingly associated 'with the hub, a friction washer interposed be.

tween the `pressure ring and the adjacent disc member, and means for exerting axial pressure against the pressure ring against its associated friction washer.

The invention further deals with the problem of arranging the parts so that pressure may be secured against each of the several friction washers so that all may be equally effective in braking action. This problem while a fairly simple one where onlytwo washers are employed, becomes considerably more complicated where, the number of washers is increased. The invention contemplates the employment of as many as four separate friction washers each of which has effective braking action on both of its faces.

Another object of the invention is to provide a friction clutch torsional vibration dampener` construction in which the foregoing objects are attained in a construction that is relatively simple and inexpensive.

Other objects, the advantages and uses of the invention will become more apparent after reading the following specification and claims, and` after consideration of part of the specification, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary elevation of a clutch vdriven plate embodving the invention;

the drawings forming a as indicated by the line 5 5 Figs. l, 2 and 3 a clutch arrangement including the coni for packing tne same Fig. 2 is an axial sectional view taken as indicated by the line 2-2 of Fig. l; Y

Fig, 3 is avdetail of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary elevation of aclutch driven plate embodying a somewhat modified form of the invention;

' Fig. 5 is an axial sectional'view thereof taken of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary elevation of a clutch plate embodying another modification of the invention; and

Fig. `7 is an axial sectional view thereof taken as indicated bythe line i-T of Fig. 6.

As an illustration of one form in which the invention may be embodied, we have shown in driven plate embodying pair of friction facings iii by means of the torgenerally a hub i@ and a 'M connected to the hub sional vibration dampener construction which.

embodies the invention.

The friction. facings ii, of annular form, are secured to opposite sides of a series of thin spring metal cushions i2 which in turn are riveted at I3 to the peripheral region of the facing mounting disc ifi.

The disc i4 comprises one of two annular disc members it and i5 embracing between them the radial fiange i6 of the hub it, a pair of friction washers l1 being interposed between the disc members i6, iii 'and the fiange It.

The disc members it and l5 are adapted to have limited oscillation relative to the hub, and are tied together for oscillation as a unit, by means of pins it, having reduced end portions I9 extending through4 the discs i@ and i5 and riveted as at 2B against the outer faces thereof.

The reduced end portions 'it form shoulders 2| which determine the spacing between the disc members it and i5.v This spacing is preferably a few thousandths less than the combined thicknesses of the flange I5 and the washers I1, so that when the pins are riveted in the disc members, the latter will be permanently distorted toward each other so as to exert pressure against the washers l1. The pins I8 are located just beyond the periphery of the flange l5.

.Associated with the disc member i4 is a pressure ring 22 associated with the disc member. I5 is a similar pressure ring 23 are each drivingly associated with the hub through the medium of pins 2a fixedly mounted in the flange I6 and having reduced end portions 25 extended through and riveted against the 23. The `rings 22 and discs I 4, I5 respectively are friction washers 26, 21. The shoulders 28 which are formed in the pins 24 by the reduced end regions 25, determine the spacing of the inner faces; of the rings 22, 23, a few thousandths less than the combined thicknesses of the washers I1, 26, and 21, the flange I6 and the disc members I4, I5, whereby when the rings are riveted together they will impose packing pressure against the washers 26 and 21. This pressure may be sufficient, in the event that pressure is not set up by the pins I8, to pack all of the friction washers including the washers I1. In this case, the inner regions of the members I4, I5 will yield toward each other slightly under the pressure of the somewhat heavier pressure rings 22, 23.

'I'he distortion of the discs I4 and I5 and the rings 22 and 23 under compression against their associated friction washers, is indicated in Fig 3; wherein the dimensions a and b indicate the total thicknesses respectively of the hub flange and its associated friction washers, and the total assembly of friction washers, hub flange and disc members, and wherein the dimensions a-i and b-z' respectively indicate the spacing between the disc members I4I5 and the rings 22-24 respectively where they are connected by the pins I 8, 24 respectively.

The pins 24 in addition to mounting the rings 22, 23, serve as stop pins for establishing positive limits to the oscillatory movement of the discs I4, I5 relative to the flange and pressure rings. To this end, the disc members I4, I5 may be provided with circumferentially elongated openings 29 through which the pins 24 extend.

The flange and d-isc members I6, I4, I5 are provided with substantially registering windows 30, 3| and 32 respectively in which are seated coil spring cushioning elements 33, adapted to yieldingly resist relative oscillation between the flange I6 and the disc members. The rings 22, 23 may also be provided with windows 34, 35, shrouded by flanges 36, 31, which are shaped to fit the curvature of the coil springs 33 and form a cage for each spring.

As a result of the packing pressure interposed on the inner washers I1 by the disc members I4, I5, tied together by the pins I8, and the packing pressure exerted .upon the friction washer 26, 21, by the pressure rings 22, 23, rigidly associated with the flange I6 all eight surfaces of the friction washers are utilized to develop braking action between the flange I6 and rings 22, 23, on the one hand and the interposed disc members I4, I5 on the other hand.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the flange I6a is mounted for axial sliding movement on the hub Illa so as to allow all of the braking parts including the flange IIia, the washers I1a, the disc members I4@ and I5a,

` the washers 26a and 21a, and the pressure ring movement of the disc members relative to the hub.A

The flange I6a has a hub portion 4I splined as at 42 on the hub Illa so as to form a driving,`

axially shiftable connection between the flange and the hub. 'I'he ring 23a has a sleeve portion 43 receiving the hub portion 4I of the hub flange, and terminating in an inwardly extending flange 44 in abutting relationto an abutment flange 45 formed on the hub I0a.

In this form of the invention, as inl the preferred form, the spacing between the shoulders 2Ia 0f the pins I8a may be a trifle less than the combined thicknesses of the Vhub flange and its associated friction washers, so as to distort the rings I4a, I5a under compression against the friction washers. The spring 38 would then serve primarily to set up compression between the two f exterior washers 26a, 21a and their associated parts. n In this form' of the invention, as in the preferredform, the cushioning springs 33a are seated in windows 30a, 3Ia, and 32a in the flange 16a and disc members I4a, I5a respectively, and serve to yieldingly resist oscillatory movement of the flange relative to the disc members. 'The shrouding flanges 36a, 31a may, in this case be formed in the disc members I4a, I5a instead of in the pressure rings as shown in the preferred form of the invention.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 6

and '7, three instead of four friction washers are employed, the friction washers I1b being interposed between the hub flange IIb and the disc members I4b, I5b respectively, and the friction washer 2lb being interposed between the pressure ring 23b and the adjacent disc member I5b. In this form, as in the two preceding forms, the pins IBb connecting the disc members I4b, I5b for oscillation of the unit, serve also to set up compression between these disc'members and their associated friction washers I1b. Pressure of the ring 23D against the washer 21h is developed by an annular dished spring 38h the inner peripheral region of whichis secured between a shoulder 46 on the hub I0b and a retainer nut 41 threaded onto a reduced portion 48 of the hub I0b. The ring 23h is drivingly associated with the hub Ib through the medium of fingers 49 struck from the peripheral region of the spring 38b and engaged in notches 50 formed in the periphery of the ring 23h.

22a, to move axially toward the ring 23a which in this case constitutes an abutment member, under packing pressure applied to the ring 22a by means of dished annular washer type spring 38. The inner periphery of the spring 38, may

be engaged against a snap ring 39 seated in a groove in the hub Ia.

The disc members I4a, I5a are'connected by pins I8a having reduced ends I9a riveted as at 20a in the disc members I4a, I5a. The pins I8a in this case form the stop pins, engageable with the circumferential extremities of notches 40 in the flange IBa, for limiting the oscillating The cushioning springs 33h, in this form of the invention, are seated in windows 30h, 3Ib, and 32h in the flange I6b, and the disc members I4b, I5b respectively, and are secured in place by split rings 5I threaded between side regions of the springs and the disc members I 4b and I5b respectively, The ends of the split rings 5I are secured by keeper plates 52 riveted at 53 to the respective disc members.

In operation, my improved torsional'vibration dampener interppses the yielding resistance of the springs 33 and the frictional resistance of the washers I1, 26 and 21, between the hub flange I5 and the pressure rings 22, 23 on the one hand and the interposed disc members I4, I5 on the other hand. The pressure rings 22 and 23 being drivingly associated with the flange I6, to oscillate as a unit therewith, and the disc members, I4, l5 being rigidly associated A the disc members and thehub flange through the inner friction washers. Thus the full braking action of all four friction washers is utilized.

I claim:

1. In a friction clutch torsional vibration dampener construction, a hub having a radial flange, a pair of annular disc members, one of which comprises a facing mounting member, embracing said llange, said members being oscillatable relative to said flangeand being tied together for oscillation as a unit, a ring drivingly connected to the hub and associated with oneof said disc members, said flange and disc members having substantially registering Windows, cushioning elements seated in said windows and yieldingly opposing relative oscillation of `said members and flange, friction washers interposed between said members and said flange, and between said ring and its associated disc member,

and means imposing continuous packing pressure upon said members, saidring and said friction washers for exerting a braking effect on said oscillation.

2. In a, friction clutch torsional vibration dampener construction, a hub having a radial flange, a pair of annular disc members, one of which comprises a facing mounting member, embracing said flange, said members being oscillatable relative to said flange and being tied together for oscillation as a unit, a ring associated with one of said disc members and having a positive drive axially movable connection with the hub, said flange and disc members having substantially registering windows, cushioning elements seated in said windows and yieldingly opi posing relative oscillation of said members and flange, friction washers interposed between said disc members and said flange and between said ring and its associated disc member, and means for exerting axial packing pressure between said flange, said disc members, said ring and said washers whereby to develop braking resistance to such oscillation.

3. In. a friction clutch torsional vibration dampener construction, a hub having an integral radial flange, a ring in spaced parallel relation to said flange, having a driving connection with ysaid hub, 'a pair of annular disc members, one of which constitutes a. facing mounting member, associated with opposite sidesof said flange, one of said members being interposed between the flange 'and said ring, said members and flange having registering windows, said members being oscillatable relative to said flange and ring, means tying said members together for oscillation as i a unit, cushion elements seated in said windows for yieldingly resisting oscillation of said members relative to said flange' and ring, means providing frictional braking surfaces in contact with each other between each of said members and said flange and between said ring and its associated member, and means for exerting packing pressure between said flange, said ring, and said rmembers so as to render said braking surfaces operative to exert a braking eiect upon such oscillation.

4. In a friction clutch torsional vibration dampener construction, a hub having a radial flange, a ring drivingly associated with said hub and having a portion parallel to said flange, a

pair of annular disc members one of which cornprises a facing mounting member, associated with opposite sides of said flange, one of said mem- -bers being interposed between the flange and said ring, said members being oscillatable relative to the flange andring, said members flange having substantially registering windows, cushion elements seated in said windows for yieldingly opposing oscillation of said members relative to the flange, and ring, friction washers interposed between said flange and said members and between said ring and its associated member, for-exerting a braking action upon such oscillation, means tying said members together for oscillation as a unit, and ycausing said members to exert pressure against the friction washers interposed between them and the flange, and auxiliary means exerting pressure against said ring and urging the samey into engagement with its associated friction washer.

5. In a friction clutch torsional vibration dampener construction, a hub having a radial flange, a ring drivingly associated with the hub, in spaced parallel relationship'to said flange, a pair of annular disc members one of which comprises a facing mounting member, associated with opposite sides of saidflange, one of said members being interposed between the flange and said ring, said members being oscillatable relative to said flange and ring, vsaid flange and members having substantially registering windows, cushion elements seated in said windows for yieldingly opposing relative oscillation of said.

against said ring for urging it into engagementI with its associated friction washer.l

6. A friction clutch torsional vibration dampener construction as deflned in claim 4, wherein said auxiliary pressure means comprises a dished spring washer one periphery of which is engaged against said ring and the other periphery of which is ln thrust transmitting association with said hub.

'7. In a friction clutch torsional vibration dampener construction, a hub having a radial flange separate from and axially slidable but drivingly associated with the hub, a pressure ring drivingly associated with the hub, in spacedv parallel relationship to said flange, an abutment ring in spacedparallel relationship to said flange on the other side thereof, drlvingly associated with and in positive thrust engagement with saidhub, a pair-of annular disc members interposed' between said flange and said rings, one of said disc members comprising a facing mounting member, said members being oscillatable relative to said flange and ring and being tied together for oscillation as a unit, said ilange and disc members having substantially registering windows, cushion elements seated in said windows and resiliently opposing relative oscillation of the flange and members, friction washers interposed between said members and said flange and between said members and said rings, and spring means operatively@ interposed between the hub and said pressure ring and exerting packing pressure between said flange, said members, said rings and said friction washers.

8. In a friction clutch torsional vibration dampener construction, a hub 'having a radial flange, a pair of annular disc members, one of which comprises a facing mounting member, embracing said ange, said members being oscillatable relative to said flange and being tied together for oscillation as a unit, said members 'and flange having substantially registering windows, cushioning elements seated in said windows and yieldingly opposing relative oscillation of said members and flange, a pairof rings embracing` said members and flange between them, and drivingly associated with said hub, friction washers interposed between said ange and said members and between said members and said rings, and means exerting packing pressure between l said rings and the parts embraced therebetween.

9. In a friction clutch4 torsional vibration dampener construction, a hub having a radial flange, a pair of annular'disc members, one of which comprises a facing mountingv member, embracing said flange, said members being oscillatable relative to said flange and being tied together for oscillation as a unit, said members and flange having substantially registering windows, cushioning elements seated in said windows and yieldingly opposing relative oscillation of said members and flange, a pair of rings embracing said members and flange between them, and drivingly associated with said hub, friction washers interposed between said flange and said members and between said members and said rings, means tying said disc members together for oscillation as a unit and urging said members under pressure into engagement with the washers interposed between them and the ange and means tying said rings together for oscillation as a unit and urging said rings under pressure into engagement with the friction washers interposed between them and said members.

prises a facing mounting member, ,associated tion as a unit and causing said friction surfaces between said members and flange to engage each other under pressure, and auxiliary means exerting pressure against said ring and causing the friction surfaces between said ring and its associated disc member to engage each other under pressure.

HAROLD NUTT. 

